Mission Statement

As part of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Eye Institute’s mission is to “conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to blinding eye diseases, visual disorders, mechanisms of visual function, preservation of sight, and the special health problems and requirements of the blind.”

Recursos

Managing Prescription Medications

Medication Management

Safely and effectively managing your medications is critical to your overall health and well-being. Modern medicine has improved our quality of life and can help us live longer, healthier lives. However, people with low vision need to be careful when using medications, especially if they are taking several different drugs.

According to a study of older adults taking five or more medications, more than one out of every three people reported having a bad reaction to at least one of their medicines.

Regardless of your age and the medication you use, it is important to go to all of your medical appointments and to talk to your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, the medicines you take, and any health concerns you have. Whenever you receive a new prescription, consider asking the following questions of your doctor or pharmacist:

What is the name of the medication?

What is the medication supposed to do?

How many times a day should I take the medication?

For how long should I take it?

When will the medication begin to work and how can I tell?

Should I take the medication with food or water?

Will I need any testing to monitor the effects of the medication?

Are there foods, drinks, other medications, or herbal supplements I should avoid when taking this medicine?

Are there any side effects?

What should I do if I get side effects?

What should I do if I miss or forget to take a dose?

Is there a less expensive or generic alternative for the medication?

If you or a loved one has low vision, it’s important to develop a safe, effective system for organizing and identifying your prescription and over-the-counter medications—what they are, the prescribed or recommended dosage, and how often you need to take them. Consider using these tips for managing your medications to continue to live an independent and healthy lifestyle:

Blister pack

Ask your pharmacist to print an additional label with larger print that you can easily see.

Medications: Use Them Safely (National Institute on AgingOne of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health, dedicated to understanding the nature of aging, supporting the health and well-being of older adults, and extending healthy, active years of life for more people.) http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/medicines

Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Adults (Administration on AgingAn agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, AoA seeks to develop a comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective system of home and community-based services that helps elderly individuals maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities.) http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Press_Room/Products_Materials/pdf/Medicines_and_You.pdf PDF*